Community plants 130 trees to kick off Estes Park's second year 'in Bloom'

For the second consecutive year, Estes Park will participate in the America in Bloom program, and community members and businesses are invited to become involved at the ground level. For its first entry in 2013, the Town of Estes Park received three national America in Bloom awards; the nationwide winner in its population category of 4,001-7,000 residents, outstanding achievement award for "Landscaped Areas" and a special award for "Most Effective Use of Bold Foliage."

The first project to kick off Estes Park in Bloom was a tree-planting at Scott Avenue ponds May 16. The project was a collaborative effort between the Platte River Power Authority, which purchased 70 aspen trees and 60 cottonwood trees, the Town of Estes Park and its Tree Board, which donated protective fencing, the Town of Estes Park Parks Division, which donated instruction, t-posts and equipment, and 25 students and four teachers from Eagle Rock School who did all the planting. Last year the students from Eagle Rock planted 70 aspen trees to naturally aid water filtration through a similar partnership.

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America in Bloom is a non-profit, nationwide program promoting beautification through education and community involvement, while utilizing flowers, plants, trees, and other lifestyle enhancements. Locally known as Estes Park in Bloom, the project is a community-wide effort involving businesses, residents and Town government.

America in Bloom is the only organization of its kind offering an award program with on-site, one-on-one mentoring and coaching by a team of expert judges. The team will be in Estes Park July 21 - 23 and will provide the local committee with a detailed, written evaluation following its visit. The evaluation is based upon six criteria: floral displays, urban forestry, landscaped areas, heritage preservation, environmental efforts, and the overall impression/cleanliness of the community.

Since America in Bloom was founded in 2001, nearly 200 cities in 40 states have participated. For more information or to become involved in the Estes Park in Bloom project, contact Keri Kelly at 970-577-3782 or email kkelly@estes.org.

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